In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one ends up injured in an Atlanta car accident, you may wonder what the importance of a car accident report is, especially if the crash initially seemed minor.
The following is a list of frequently asked questions by first-time car crash victims, with answers designed to shed light on the sometimes complex world of car accidents:
Am I Required To File A Car Accident Report If I Was Only Involved In A “Fender Bender”?
Yes. Section 40-6-273 of the Georgia Uniform Rules of the Road states that a driver must immediately report any accident that has “property damage to an apparent extent of $500.00 or more” to local law enforcement. The same section also dictates that those involved in a crash resulting in bodily injury or death do the same.
Therefore, an accident must be reported to the proper authorities whether the damages are minor or major. These can include the local police department, a sheriff, or a state highway patrol member.
What Are The Minimum Car Insurance Policy Limits?
Victims often wonder how much they may be able to sue the responsible party’s insurance policy to obtain compensation for their injuries.
According to Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, the minimum bodily injury liability is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident, and the minimum property damage liability is $25,000 per incident.
What If The Responsible Party Was Not Insured At The Time Of The Accident?
If the responsible party was not insured during the accident, you may be able to obtain compensation through your insurance company’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage (should you have it through your policy). However, you must prove that the responsible party caused your injuries to receive such payment.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim After A Car Accident?
Georgia’s statute of limitations is generally two years. In other words, you must file a claim within two years from the date of your accident. However, in exceptional circumstances, the deadline can be extended. It’s best to have an experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta handle such a case for you.
The Car Accident Report Clearly States That The Other Driver Was The Responsible Party — Why Can’t I Handle The Claim Myself?
You could, but doing so wouldn’t be a wise idea. If a car accident report clearly states that the other party was entirely responsible for the accident, winning the “liability” part of a car accident claim is easy; it’s different parts of the process that can trip you up.
For example, you need to convince a court or insurance company that you suffered damages because of the accident. You’d then need to prove that those damages caused the life-changing effects you are feeling today, all while the other party’s attorney (or insurance company) is already fighting to ensure you do not receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
A skilled personal injury attorney will be able to step in here and vigorously fight for your rights against the insurance company and the attorneys representing the responsible party.
You Could Fight Your Case Yourself — But You Don’t Have To
Many twists and turns are inherent in the aftermath of a Georgia car accident, and almost all of them occur within a courtroom. Doing your research, asking the right questions, and being prudent with your representation choices will help you ease the pain and suffering of your injuries.
Contact our Car Accident Lawyers at Goldstein Hayes, LLC for Legal Help With Your Case
If you suffered serious injuries after a car crash in Atlanta, Georgia we are here for you. If you’d like to schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney from Goldstein Hayes, LLC, please don’t hesitate to call (404) 795-4925, or you can visit our office: